Palatal neoplasms: reconstruction considerations.

Review of the literature and our personal experience with carcinoma of the palate indicates that a significant number of patients may benefit from palatal resection, either as an initial modality, in a planned combined treatment program, or for salvage after radiation therapy. Under any of these circumstances an integral part of the treatment program is rehabilitation of speech and swallowing function through prosthetic repair. Familiarity with the potentials and techniques of prosthetic rehabilitation after palatal resection is an important concern for the head and neck oncologist.